There has been a stunning bolt from the blue as West Ham reportedly close in on a £25 million deal for former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian’s return to the Premier League could be imminent after this dramatic development in the Hammers’ transfer window that will raise eyebrows at Aston Villa.
If any club know how West Ham are feeling right now regarding PSR, it is Aston Villa.
West Ham have been feeling the pinch this summer transfer window, insisting they must sell to buy due to PSR.
The club’s owners have seemingly refused to inject £90m in cash they are permitted to under PSR rules as rights options.
West Ham are feeling Villa’s PSR pain
Aston Villa’s owners have been so angry at the way PSR has restricted their ambition they have even threatened to sue the Premier League.
Cynics would suggest West Ham’s owners see PSR as a convenient excuse not to spend.
That has certainly been the case this summer so far with Graham Potter yet to be backed with a single signing, despite promising an “exciting and interesting” summer window.
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But that bold pledge may be about to be given more credibility.
Aston Villa did a deal to sell their women’s team to comply with PSR at the end of last month.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery and West Ham head coach Graham Potter share a handshake on the touchline
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It meant Unai Emery was not forced to offload a big name player to raise the £40m required.
There had been strong rumours the Hammers wanted to try and take advantage by signing Jacob Ramsey.
But that sale was not necessary for Aston Villa in the end due to the women’s team loophole deal.
Meanwhile the Hammers have finally raised some much-needed funds to start making signings.
Although fans aren’t happy with how they’ve gone about it, selling Mohammed Kudus to bitter rivals Spurs for £54.5m.
West Ham are in desperate need of an overhaul – particularly in midfield – and supporters are demanding the owners start making signings.
West Ham ‘close on’ £25m deal for ex Aston Villa star Luiz
Now there has been a stunning bolt from the blue as West Ham ‘close on’ a £25m deal for ex Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.
Luiz was one of the first players Villa were reluctantly forced to sell due to PSR.
Luiz joined Juventus for £42 million last summer in a deal that put Villa in the clear regarding the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
He has been linked with a return to Villa Park this summer with certain reports claiming the club regrets having to let him go.
Several other clubs in the Premier League and around Europe have also been linked with the classy central midfielder.
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Stunning Luiz to West Ham claim a bolt from the blue
The 27-year-old has been a bit-part player at Juve, who have been keen to move the Brazil international on.
West Ham were linked with Luiz back in December but the move failed to transpire.
Now it is not only back on but reportedly close to being agreed, according to respected Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The likes of Juventus News are quoting La Gazzetta and claiming there is confidence a deal for West Ham to sign Luis ‘is well-organised and can be closed’ as a paid loan and obligation.
The report should be treated with caution by West Ham fans given it has come out of nowhere.
But it claims West Ham have intensified their contacts with Juventus in an attempt to bring Luiz to east London.
It even states ‘the deal appears to be nearing completion’.
La Gazzetta states West Ham are working on an agreement with Juve that includes a £5m loan fee with an obligation to buy at around £20-23m.
Although the deal – like that of Jean-Clair Todibo – will be tied to the player’s appearances or specific objectives.
Although Luiz does not fit the younger profile of player Potter and Kyle Macaulay have been linked with for most of the window, he would undoubtedly be a quality signing.
The sudden nature of the report from Italy may suggest it should be taken with a pinch of salt – as club insiders and other prominent transfer reporters have not linked the Hammers with the player this summer.